Last year, global warming nearly ruined Welcome West's annual WinterWest as they cancelled event after event as the temps continued to rise. But with the sudden cold snap and fresh powder, it is all systems go!
Over the next two weeks, fans of the Westside's Richmond Park will gather for a series of crazy winter sporting events for the return of WinterWest, a community-driven event meant to showcase the beauty of this urban park and the neighborhood that surrounds it.
“WinterWest is presented by a group of residents who care deeply about this neighborhood and are seeking new, fun, and imaginative ways to connect our neighbors and friends with the things that make the Westside of our city so exciting,” says Kyle Van Strien. "Everything from our planning, constructing, to even the prizes showcases illustrate the commitment of our community to supporting this event with so much generosity.”
This year, the wintery event is growing yet again in size and amenities offered, with new partners including the City of Grand Rapids chipping in a bigger role in helping make this event even better than before.
For starters, the City decommissioned the wading pool, allowing two temporary ice rinks to be constructed in the space, which now is even closer to the warming station that the city repaired this past summer.
This means that not only will there be a rink dedicated to 3-on-3 hockey, but an extra rink for open skating. (You must provide your own skates.)
The competitions this year will include a full docket of events, after many of them had to be cancelled last year due to no snow.
Returning this year is everyone’s favorite Cardboard Sled Competition, an intense 3-on-3 Hockey Tournament, and the expanded Richmond Park 5k Trail Run, which will now be a real 5k with organizers adding new obstacles and of course, the ultimate finish line that includes a sled ride down the hill to cheering neighbors and fans.
The 5k is modeled after the popular Tuff Mudders event, but this year, the final race of WinterWest will be the Fat Tire race, a new event held on Feb. 2. This is the last of the Fat Tire Race Series.
On the weekend afternoons, the warming shelter will be open and serving coffee and hot chocolate provided by WelcomeWest through the generous sponsorship of area grocers Spartan Stores, Family Fare, and Meijer.
The very best part of this annual event is if you come out, you will no doubt see people who celebrate the beauty of a neighborhood park in their own special way. Bathing suit is optional. (Let's Go Crazy!)
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